AMGC announces new chair of board

The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Karen Andrews yesterday announced new Board Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), Mr Paul Cooper.

Mr Cooper has over 25 years’ manufacturing experience and has been a member of the AMGC Board since 2015. He is owner of Rinstrum Pty Ltd, a Queensland-based industrial electronics manufacturing company that exports globally through its wholly owned subsidiaries based in the United States, India and Germany. 

He replaces outgoing Chairman Mr Andrew Stevens who has been appointed to Chair Innovation and Science Australia’s (ISA) Board and to continue its important work as Bill Ferris AC completes his tenure.

Mr Cooper commented, ‘I am delighted to be appointed as Chair of AMGC. As someone who is passionate about Australian manufacturing and what it means to be a globally successful business, there are many synergies between my experience and what AMGC is tasked to deliver. I look forward to building upon what Andrew Stevens, the AMGC board, and the team have achieved, and working with AMGC members and the wider manufacturing community to further accelerate our industry’s resilience, innovation and transformation.’

Under Andrew Stevens’ stewardship, AMGC has become the industry’s voice for transforming the sector. Established in 2015, the Centre has realised many notable achievements including its Sector Competitiveness Plan – a 10-year vision for the industry in how it can lift its global reach.

In addition, AMGC has close to 600 national and international members representing diverse manufacturing sub-sectors and leading research institutions. AMGC has co-invested with industry in over 26 projects that are projected to deliver 1100 new jobs and an estimated additional $240 million to the economy.  

Reflecting on AMGC’s accomplishments, Stevens says, ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time steering AMGC into this leadership position and helping many Australian manufacturers scale to their potential. I welcome and congratulate Paul in his new role. He brings exceptional experience and will be of great service to the team and broader industry. At the same time, I remain dedicated to increasing Australia’s global presence and will carry what I have learnt from the manufacturing sector and improving its competitiveness into my new role.’